MN House To Vote On Bill Legalizing Recreational Marijuana

ST. PAUL, MN — The Minnesota House Thursday is scheduled to vote on a bill that would legalize and regulate the adult use and sale of recreational marijuana. It's the first time in state history that such a bill has made it to the House floor for a vote.

H.F. 600 — which imposes a 10 percent sales tax on the sale of marijuana — is expected to pass the Democratically-controlled House.

Advocates for the bill say that a regulated cannabis market in Minnesota is safer than an illegal and underground one. Proponents also say the bill will improve access to medical marijuana for those that need it.

"We have the ability to change laws in a way that improves people’s lives, whether it’s expunging cannabis-related records, targeting economic opportunity for those impacted most by the war on drugs, providing relief for veterans suffering from PTSD and serious health conditions, and more," said Rep. Ryan Winkler, Minnesota House Majority Leader and author of the bill.

The bill faces longer odds in the Republican-controlled Senate, however.

"I would not consider legalizing recreational marijuana as a Minnesota priority," Republican Majority Leader Paul Gazelka said in a statement in February.

"I am open to looking at additional medicinal uses and a conversation around drug sentencing. My main concerns are the unintended consequences of recreational pot, similar to the concerns we all have about tobacco, drinking, or prescription drug abuse. Just because it’s legal doesn’t mean there aren’t consequences. We’re just starting to learn about legalization’s adverse effects in other states like Colorado and Washington. There is no reason to rush this in Minnesota without learning more."

The House floor debate will begin at 4:30 p.m. Thursday.